With 1:17 left at Target Center on Wednesday night, Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett walked off the court, grabbed a plastic cup off press row and toasted the crowd of 18,701.

Why not? Garnett, as part of a promise made in several published reports, bought the first 10,000 fans a beer or soda ? their choice.

Why not? The Wolves had just blown out the Stephon Marbury-led Phoenix Suns 107-92.

"I love our fans," Garnett said. "This is just my way of giving back and letting them know that I actually care about them and hear their screaming and booing the other guys. That's why we have a homecourt advantage.

"No player in Timberwolves history has ever done anything for the fans like this. It's just my little way of giving back."

As if the fans needed more reason to cheer ? what with Marbury, a former Wolves point guard, and Tom Gugliotta, a former Wolves forward, in the house.

As if Garnett needed to give anything other than his 33 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.